The Adventures of Harley and Harper

“One more lap to go. Breathe in, breathe out. Match Harley’s pace,” Harper repeated over and over in her head as she ran on the track.

“Run. Run. Run,” Harley repeated, his eyes glued on the track ahead, determined not to become distracted.

It was the kick-off to the summer 5k, an annual race that took place around one of the town’s popular parks. All ages were welcome to compete, with the focus on finishing regardless of walking or running as the foremost goal. There would be a small medal ceremony for the top runners in three different age groups.

This was the first year that the twins were competing, as they previously went to cheer on Mom and then enjoy a picnic lunch, bounce houses, and games afterwards. Mom was still running this year but had also encouraged them to join her in training the last few months.

The training sparked a new competitive bone within Harley and Harper, and in addition to wanting to finish in the fastest time for their age group, they wanted to beat each other.

So far, the twins were neck and neck, seemingly a lap ahead of the other two age groups. However, a boy appearing to be their age trailed them a little too close for comfort.

Harley noticed him. Willing his body to go even faster, he focused on a lesson from their training period when Mom taught them about stamina. She had instructed them that keeping an even pace for most of the race would help conserve the most energy, then once the end was near, you push yourself into overdrive with your last boost of energy.

Harper followed suit with Harley. They lapped a small group of adults. She noticed that one of them had an arm around another’s waist in support and overheard, “You can do it, one foot in front of the other.” She also caught a glimpse of a limp. She shook her head to regain focus.

“Isn’t this fun?” The boy running directly behind them hollered out.

The twins caught each other’s eyes, equal in stride; they didn’t know what to say back.

“It’s my first 5k, what about you guys?” The chatty runner striking up a conversation this close to the end was strange, but he seemed sincere.

“Ours too,” Harley responded with a small gesture to himself and his sister.

“We have made really good time! I think we will be the winners!” The boy smiled and looked behind him.

Harper nodded, keeping her breathing steady.

“Whoa!”

Harley and Harper heard the boy suddenly exclaim and saw him coming to a sudden crashing fall, having tripped over a rogue branch on the track.

It happened so fast. Harley looked ahead and could see the checkered finish line full of spectators cheering. Harper’s body ran forward, but her mind drifted back to that small group of runners who were helping each other.

The twins locked eyes again, speaking with their expressions and being naturally in tune with each other. Together, they stopped running and came to the fallen boy.

“Are you okay?” Harley bent down.

“My ankle, it really hurts.” The boy held it in pain, “I was so close to finishing the race…”

Harper looked down at him and then back to her brother, “Do you think you can hop?”

“Huh?”

“Here, let us help you.” Harley extended an arm, and Harper took his other side.

“But…you both could win the race, a grown-up will come soon to help me.”

“Our Mom and Dad told us to help when someone is down; we can’t leave you here,” Harper said.

“Come on, let’s finish together,” Harley encouraged the boy.

Together, the three of them slowly made their way to the finish line while a few other runners in their age group breezed past them, taking the placement titles. But when the trio crossed the finish line, they were met with applause and cheers ten times louder from the spectators for their good sportsmanship.

A medic came to attend to the boy, and Dad found them as they waited for Mom to finish the race.

“You two did a kind thing back there,” Dad patted them on the back, “I know how much this race meant to you. I am proud of you for helping someone else versus seeking a win for yourself.”

“He wanted to finish just as much as we did; it was the right thing to do it together,” Harley smiled.

“Yes, and besides, if he hadn’t got hurt, he would have been upset to get third place like Harley would have been upset to get second,” Harper grinned.

“Wait, wait, wait,” Harley held his hands up, “Are you saying you think you would have beat me?”

“You know it.” Harper pushed her brother playfully.

“There is no way, I had it in the bag,” Harley replied confidently.

Dad laughed, seeing their competitive spirit reignite, “Well, you two will have to sign up for another race now, won’t you?”